PL agree new 10-week transfer window opening
THE Premier League summer transfer window will open on July 27 and run for 10 weeks until October 5.
It means that top-flight clubs will be able to buy and sell players from the day after the conclusion of the current season in under two weeks’ time.
In addition, they will be able to trade with EFL clubs in an extra domestic-only window from October 5, closing at 5PM on October 16.
No transfers between Premier League clubs would be able to take place in this second window.
The transfer window dates — shifted from the norm because of the three-month Covid-19 shutdown — are subject to Fifa ratification.
The EFL confirmed its transfer window will follow the same dates as the Premier League’s.
It means the transfer window will overlap the 2020-21 season by around three weeks with the new campaign likely to get underway on September 12.
Premier League clubs were keen for the window to open as quickly as possibly after the end of the season but there remains concern that players still in action may be unsettled.
The FA Cup final is scheduled for August 1 while the Champions League and Europa League — involving the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Wolves — continues into August.
The Championship play-offs will also take place beyond the opening of the transfer window, raising concerns for the sides involved that their players could be distracted.
There is a concern among some clubs and agents that foreign footballers may show a reluctance to sign for English clubs given the UK’s relatively high Covid-related death rate.
That could pose a problem for clubs looking to strengthen their squads, with the foreign market widely viewed as providing better value for money.
Indeed, sources claim France’s Ligue 1 will become a particular focus for English clubs this summer as they seek to take advantage of the financial worries of teams outside the traditional big four — Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, Monaco and Lyon.
The curtailment of the French season has left a number of clubs facing a precarious financial future, with English clubs keen to take advantage.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will lift the Premier League trophy on the famous Kop stand at Anfield after their final home game of the season against Chelsea on 22 July.
Kenny Dalglish, who was the Reds’ manager the last time they won the English top flight 30 years ago, will hand out the medals to players and staff.
With no fans able to attend due to the coronavirus pandemic, Liverpool said the idea for the trophy lift was to honour the club’s fans.
“With supporters unable to attend the behind-closed-doors fixture, the historic occasion will involve a unique presentation designed to acknowledge and celebrate Liverpool fans,” Liverpool said in a statement.
“Reds players and staff will collect the Premier League trophy and their winner’s medals on a special podium built at the centre of the Kop surrounded by fan banners.”
The match will be broadcast on a free-to-air channel to encourage supporters to stay at home for the occasion rather than crowding around Anfield. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged fans to respect social distancing measures after thousands gathered around the club’s stadium and in the city centre following their coronation as champions last month. — dailymail. com-AFP.